Tiramisu Brownies

Short Description

Tiramisu Brownies are a decadent fusion of two beloved desserts: the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies and the creamy, coffee-infused layers of traditional tiramisu. This delightful combination offers a harmonious blend of chocolate and espresso flavors, making it an irresistible treat for dessert enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor Combination: The marriage of chocolate and espresso provides a deep, satisfying taste.
• Creamy Mascarpone Layer: Adds a luxurious, velvety texture that complements the dense brownie base.
• Perfect for Gatherings: These brownies are a show-stopping dessert, ideal for parties and special occasions.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: They can be prepared in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Versatile Presentation: Serve as elegant squares or casual bars, suitable for various settings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownie Base:

• Unsalted butter
• Dark chocolate
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Instant espresso powder

For the Mascarpone Cream Layer:

• Mascarpone cheese
• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Coffee liqueur (optional)

For Assembly:

• Ladyfinger cookies
• Strong brewed coffee or espresso
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

Directions

1. Prepare the Brownie Base:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
   • Melt butter and dark chocolate together until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
   • Combine the melted chocolate mixture with the egg mixture. Stir in vanilla extract.
   • Sift in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder. Fold gently until just combined.
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
   • Allow the brownie to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Mascarpone Cream:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese until smooth.
   • In another bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
   • Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until well combined.
3. Assemble the Layers:
   • Brew strong coffee or espresso and let it cool. Add coffee liqueur if using.
   • Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture and arrange them in a single layer over the cooled brownie base.
   • Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
   • Dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder.
4. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
   • Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 12 servings
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Chilling Time: At least 4 hours (preferably overnight)
• Total Time: Approximately 5 hours

Variations

• Alcohol-Free Version: Omit the coffee liqueur for a non-alcoholic dessert.
• Chocolate Ganache Topping: Drizzle a rich chocolate ganache over the mascarpone layer for added indulgence.
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts or walnuts, into the brownie batter for a crunchy texture.
• Fruit Infusion: Add a layer of fresh raspberries or strawberries between the ladyfingers and mascarpone cream for a fruity twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the Tiramisu Brownies refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the brownies (without the cocoa powder dusting) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: These brownies are best enjoyed chilled. Reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the mascarpone layer.

FAQs

What type of chocolate is best for the brownie base?

Using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content will provide a rich and intense chocolate flavor that complements the espresso notes in the tiramisu layer.

Can I use store-bought brownies?

Yes, for convenience, you can use store-bought brownies as the base. However, homemade brownies offer a fresher taste and allow for customization of flavors.

Is it necessary to use espresso powder?

Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the brownies. If unavailable, you can use instant coffee granules, though the flavor may be slightly milder.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, preparing the Tiramisu Brownies a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly, resulting in a more cohesive dessert.

How do I prevent the mascarpone layer from becoming runny?

Ensure that both the mascarpone cheese and whipped cream are cold before mixing. Also, avoid overmixing, which can cause the cream to deflate and become runny.

Can I substitute mascarpone cheese?

While mascarpone is traditional for tiramisu, you can substitute it with full-fat cream cheese for a similar texture, though the flavor will differ slightly.

What can I use instead of ladyfingers?

If ladyfingers are unavailable, sponge cake slices or pound cake cut into strips can serve as alternatives, though they may alter the traditional texture.

How do I achieve clean slices?

For neat slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This prevents the layers from smearing and maintains clean edges.

Can I add a layer of fruit?

Yes, adding a layer of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, between the ladyfingers and mascarpone cream can introduce a refreshing tartness to balance the richness.

Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?

Certainly. Substitute the all-purpose flour in the brownie base with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that the ladyfingers used are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Brownies offer a luxurious twist on two classic desserts, combining the dense, chocolatey richness of brownies with the creamy, coffee-kissed elegance of tiramisu. This dessert is perfect for impressing guests at gatherings or indulging in a special treat. With its harmonious layers and depth of flavor, Tiramisu Brownies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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